Our History

The planning and programming for the Washington Island Music Festival can be traced back to 1990 when Milwaukee Symphony oboist Stephen Colburn and his wife soprano Marlee Sabo first visited the Island and saw its potential for classical music performance, education, and a unique community/artists partnership. After discussions with the director and Board of the Island Art and Nature Center for over a year, it was mutually agreed to attempt it with the ANC as the sponsor.

Today, the Washington Island Music Festival, Inc. is an independent nonprofit organization. From a core of ten musicians performing five concerts in a week to today’s complement musicians offering concerts and lectures over two weeks, the Festival has gained strength, stature, and widespread acceptance and support in the Washington Island community. These professional musicians, many of whom play for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, enjoy the rare pleasure of ensemble playing, and pleasure in the Island and its people. Colleagues from the Colorado Symphony and other major orchestras and universities join them in providing classical concerts ranging from the Baroque to modern, with a tip of the hat to the Island’s Scandinavian connection.

Since 2003, the Music Festival has been the sole support and provider of Music Education in the Washington Island School. Providing both vocal and instrumental instruction as well as music appreciation and education continues to be an important mission of the Music Festival. The Music Festival has been sustained by the vision, dedication, and purpose of volunteer members of the Music Festival Board, many of whom have served multiple terms over several years. Ultimately, our wonderful audience completes the Washington Island Music Festival experience. The energy, attendance, enthusiasm, and generous support are essential factors of the unique and nourishing participation in the Music Festival. Along with the classical concerts, the two week festival includes a four-day music camp, a Children’s Concert, Music Appreciation Sessions, and the hugely popular “Top of the PAC” concert (formerly called “Under the Big Top”, featuring the best of Island music talent.